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5 Ways to Spice Up Your Relationship After Valentine’s Day

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northwestern chapter.

Valentine’s Day is the time for romance. Flowers and massive teddy bears filled store shelves and everything was heart-shaped. No matter how you and your lover decided to celebrate, there is no denying the feeling of love was in the air. But what happens now that the night is over? Do you just fall back into your typical routine – Netflix and chill 24/7? If you’re interested in keeping the thrill of Valentine’s Day in your relationship, you’re in luck.

1.  Surprise Gifts

You shouldn’t only buy your significant other a gift for an anniversary or a holiday. You can make any day as special as Valentine’s Day with a small token of affection. No matter how cliché, this tip works – especially if you’re not usually the type to surprise your partner. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and splurge on a diamond watch. A bouquet of carnations, a package of your significant other’s favorite candy, or a sweet, simple handwritten note can turn a typical date into a night to remember.

2.  Dress Up

Maybe you’re one of the few who, despite having been in a long-term relationship, still look their very best for every occasion. But, some couples easily adapt to the luxury of being with someone for the long-haul, and they gradually stop putting in that extra amount of effort. Don’t get me wrong. You should feel comfortable around your partner. However, it is a great idea to put on something fancy at least one night a month – a new dress and a touch of sexy red lipstick– and make your sweetheart stop and stare when you enter the room.

3.  Freshen Up Your Sex Life

If you’re intimate with your partner, you already know how important it is to spice up your sex routine every now and then. This can range from making out like high school hooligans in the backseat of your car to testing out different positions (the more adventerous, the better). Even something as simple as a new set of lingerie or some dirty talk during foreplay can add a special twist to your bedroom escapades. There’s no better person to step out of your comfort zone with than your lover! 

4.  Plan a Trip Together

Sometimes the most fun you can have as a couple comes from planning an activity for the future. Of course, this depends on your budget and availability. But, you can make your trip as simple or as extravagant as you want. Set aside some time one weekend to do some basic touristy things in your area, or to spend a night seeing a show and enjoying a fancy dinner in a nearby city. Dedicating time for a date that requires a bit more forethought might just bring back those butterflies from the beginning of your relationship.

5. Spend Some Time Just Talking

In the digital age, online communication can easily dominate a relationship. From using Snapchat when you’re apart to binge-watching TV shows when you’re together, it’s a challenge to set aside part of your day to simply talk with your partner. Sitting down without technology is essential to maintaining healthy communication in a relationship, and it also helps to bring back that initial spark of getting to know each other. If you have trouble coming up with topics to chat about, try out the New York Times36 Questions to Fall in Love. You never know what you might learn about your partner.

At the end of the day, just remember to never take your relationship for granted. If anything, Valentine’s Day provides that reminder to always cherish the love you share and to constantly remind your partner, in whatever way you’d like, how much you care for her.

Photos courtesy of PicJumbo

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Elissa Gray

Northwestern '20

Elissa is a Northwestern junior in Medill studying journalism and political science. She was born and raised in Las Vegas, where her love for sushi, avocados, and hot cheetos all began. When she isn't wasting away in the library, she can be found binge-watching romantic comedies on Netflix, and dreaming about her favorite place in the world, Disneyland.